McLaughlin's degree in college was accounting. There he learned the legal way of obtaining anything could be accomplished by two ways - by purchase and by constant usage - Sergeant Gates would certainly have a case of constant usage.
The first meeting with Gates was purposefully to shake him up a little, to allow him to respect McLaughlin's authority, but that tactic could only hold for so long. Part of being an officer and a gentleman, McLaughlin believed, was to recognize talent and put them to appropriate use. That would include noticing talent or experience that exceeded his own.
McLaughlin asked Gates what his next plan was. After hearing it, he told him to carry on, adding: "I'll expect a report by 2000 hours."
"Yes, sir," Gates said snapping a salute.
Gates' day plan was to have two daytime patrols. He would lead one and Sergeant Harris would lead the other. McLaughlin was going to let Gates do whatever he was going to do anyway, but he also liked the fact that Anderson was left behind. He felt that he could trust Anderson and that he was reliable. After the patrols were sent out. McLaughlin took a walk around the camp. He was now dressed for the part. He was dressed appropriately in olive drab combat fatigues web harness and pistol belt. His pistol was in his holster and he had his rifle slung over his shoulder. On his head was a soft cap. He looked like the model of a brand new officer, who hadn't seen a day of combat. He realized this, but it made him feel more comfortable. It had been a while since he had been into combat, and he wanted to get the feel for it again, before he went out on a patrol.
To be continued....
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